KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to take appropriate action to stop quarrying operations in all forest areas in the state as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within three months. It is no secret that the forest wealth of the state is dwindling day by day. But the government is not taking any appropriate steps for preserving whatever little forest wealth we are having now, Justice Siri Jagan said while permitting Moly Sunny of Varandarappally, Thrissur, to conduct quarrying operations in her property at Mupliyam during the currency of her licence. "Quarrying, being a non-forest activity, I am of the opinion that such quarrying operations should be prohibited not only in this area but also in all forest areas,' the court said. "But unfortunately, the government which is starved of funds cannot find other means than to sell off all natural wealth for paltry sum'. The court directed the forest authorities to see that all quarrying operations in this particular area, which admittedly is a forest land, are stopped as expeditiously as possible.